Top 10 Natural Remedies for Acid Reflux (GERD) That Actually Work

Published on: 23/May/2024
Posted By: Arka Health

Introduction: What is Acid Reflux (GERD)?

Do you feel a burning sensation in your chest after meals? Or maybe you wake up at night with a sour taste in your mouth? That’s likely acid reflux, and when it happens frequently, it’s called GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease).

GERD occurs when stomach acid flows back into your esophagus due to a weak valve (called the lower esophageal sphincter). This can cause discomfort, inflammation, and long-term complications if untreated.

Why Natural Remedies Matter

Many people rely on over-the-counter medications like antacids or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). While these offer temporary relief, they can cause nutrient deficiencies, gut imbalance, and long-term side effects.

At Arka Health, we take a functional medicine approach—treating the root cause of reflux, not just the symptoms. These natural remedies support your body’s healing and are backed by science and tradition.

Remedy #1: Ginger – The Digestive Hero

Why it works:
Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory that soothes the stomach and helps with digestion. It’s known to reduce nausea, bloating, and stomach acid buildup.

How to use:
Sip ginger tea before or after meals, or add fresh ginger to your cooking.

  • Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood.
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities (anhedonia).
  • Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism, guilt, or worthlessness.
  • Irritability, frustration, or restlessness.
  • Changes in sleep patterns (difficulty sleeping or oversleeping).
  • Changes in appetite or unplanned weight fluctuations.
  • Fatigue, lack of energy, or feeling slowed down.
  • Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions.
  • Physical aches, pains, headaches, or digestive problems without a clear physical cause.
  • Thoughts of death or suicide. (If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for immediate help. Call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or seek local emergency services.)

It’s important to remember that depression doesn’t look the same for everyone; symptoms can vary based on age, gender, and individual circumstances. Some might experience more irritability than sadness, while others might notice physical symptoms more prominently.

Remedy #2: Slippery Elm – Nature’s Esophagus Shield

Why it works:
This herb coats and soothes your esophagus, protecting it from stomach acid. It’s especially helpful if you feel burning or irritation in your throat.

How to use:
Mix 1 tsp of slippery elm powder into warm water and drink before meals.

Remedy #3: Aloe Vera Juice – Cooling Inflammation Naturally

Why it works:
Aloe vera helps reduce inflammation and promotes healing in the gut and esophagus.

How to use:
Drink 1/4 cup of aloe vera juice (choose decolorized and safe versions) 15–30 minutes before meals.

Remedy #4: Apple Cider Vinegar – Balancing Stomach Acid

Why it works:
Surprisingly, some people have low stomach acid, which causes reflux. Apple cider vinegar helps balance your stomach’s pH and improve digestion.

How to use:
Mix 1 tsp of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and sip before eating. Avoid if your esophagus is very irritated.

Remedy #5: DGL Licorice – Strengthening Gut Protection

Why it works:
DGL (Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice) boosts the protective mucus in your digestive tract and soothes inflammation.

How to use:
Chew one tablet 15 minutes before meals. It’s safe and effective when used short-term.

Remedy #6: Probiotics – Heal from the Inside Out

Why it works:
Imbalanced gut bacteria (dysbiosis) can cause bloating, gas, and reflux. Probiotics help restore balance and improve digestion.

How to use:
Take a daily probiotic supplement or eat fermented foods like yogurt, kimchi, or kefir.

Remedy #7: Mindful Eating – The Forgotten Medicine

Why it works:
Eating too fast or while stressed can cause overeating and poor digestion. This leads to more pressure in the stomach—and more reflux.

How to practice:
Eat slowly. Chew thoroughly. Avoid screens and stress while eating.

Remedy #8: Elevate Your Bed – Use Gravity to Your Advantage

Why it works:
When you lie flat, acid moves more easily into the esophagus. Elevating your upper body helps keep it down.

How to use:
Raise the head of your bed by 6–8 inches or use a wedge pillow. Avoid lying down for at least 2 hours after eating.

Remedy #9: Elimination Diet – Discover Your Triggers

Why it works:
Certain foods trigger reflux in different people. Common culprits include:

  • Gluten

  • Dairy

  • Spicy foods

  • Citrus

  • Caffeine

  • Chocolate

How to use:
Work with a practitioner to remove and reintroduce foods in a structured way.

Remedy #10: Magnesium – Support for Your Digestive Muscles

Why it works:
Magnesium helps relax the digestive muscles and supports nerve function. Low levels can worsen reflux symptoms.

How to use:
Add magnesium-rich foods (like leafy greens, seeds, and avocado) or take magnesium citrate under guidance.

Final Thoughts: Heal the Root, Not Just the Burn

Acid reflux is a sign that your digestive system needs support—not a signal to suppress it forever.

At Arka Health, we believe your body is designed to heal—with the right tools and guidance. These natural remedies, combined with a functional medicine approach, can help you take back control of your digestion and feel better for good.

👉 Ready to Heal Your Gut and Beat Acid Reflux Naturally?
Book your discovery consultation at Arka Health and let’s build your personalized plan for lasting relief.

Conventional Approach At Arka, We Offer...
CBT and Medication Only
CBT plus Limbic System Retraining for self-regulation
Talk Therapy
Energy Healing to release stuck emotional patterns
Generic Pain Management
Somatic & Trauma Healing to release trauma held in body muscles causing chronic pain
Surface-Level Mindfulness
Mind-Body Connection practices with deep energy alignment
Standard Psychiatric Support
Holotropic Breathwork and USIRU for deep subconscious release
Treatment with medication alone
Ketamine Therapy integrated with trauma-informed care
Nervous system overlooked
Vagus Nerve Stimulation to activate innate calming and healing pathways

With convention therapies we also try to move a step ahead by including :

  • Ketamine Therapy: For treatment-resistant depression and trauma, guided by skilled clinicians in a supportive setting.

  • Limbic System Retraining: Helping you rewire the brain’s stress and fear responses for long-term calm and clarity.
  • Energy Healing: Addressing emotional and energetic blockages that traditional therapies may miss.

  • Vagus Nerve Activation: Supporting the nervous system’s natural recovery via non-invasive methods.

  • Trauma-Informed Somatic Work: Releasing physical tension where trauma is held — often resolving chronic pain and fatigue.

  • Holotropic Breathwork & USIRU: Deep, experiential techniques that allow inner transformation without words.

If you’re looking for depression treatment in Bangalore that goes beyond just prescriptions, our team at Arka Anugraha Hospital is here for you. We pride ourselves on being one of the leading holistic mental health centers in Bangalore, offering functional psychiatry services that incorporate nutrition, mind-body therapies, advanced treatments, and compassionate psychiatric care.

Our integrative approach is also suitable for patients across India – even if you’re not in Bangalore, we offer telehealth consultations and can guide you on lifestyle and nutrition remotely, and invite you to visit us for specialized treatments like TMS or ketamine if needed. This pan-India approach ensures that anyone seeking a more natural, well-rounded strategy for mental wellness can access our services.

At Arka Anugraha, treatment is a partnership. You’ll work closely with psychiatrists, nutritionists, and therapists as a team. We educate and empower you at every step – whether it’s understanding how gut health affects mood, or learning how to use breathwork to calm anxiety, you’ll gain knowledge and tools to manage your mental health for life. And importantly, we approach every patient with deep empathy and respect. We know depression is not a sign of weakness or something you can just “snap out of.” It’s a real condition that can happen to anyone – hardworking professionals, parents, students, you name it. Our mission is to provide hope and healing through an integrative lens, tailored to the unique needs of each individual.

You don’t have to walk through depression alone. Help is available, and recovery is absolutely possible – we see it every day. An integrative approach might be the key that finally unlocks the improvements you’ve been looking for. If you or a loved one is struggling with depression, consider reaching out to explore these holistic options.

Take the first step towards healing today – Book a Free Discovery Call with Arka Anugraha Hospital. Our team will be happy to discuss your concerns, answer your questions, and guide you on a path to a brighter, healthier future.

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